The Mount Newsletter for April 29, 2026

We're having a really good discussions in our After Bible Study Chat. Watch the video at 12 or 6:30 PM then join us on Dialpad to share your thoughts.

We Need to Hear from YOU!

Sixth Mount Zion is applying for the Lilly Endowment’s Exploring Christian Practices Initiative. This grant could be up to $2.5 million for a period of 5 years! It is very competitive, they are awarding no more than 60 organizations. 

The grant seeks to fund organizations in developing and enhancing programs that help diverse individuals explore Christian practices to address spiritual questions and nourish their religious lives. Successful proposals will focus on retrieving, adapting, or refining practices from their specific theological and ecclesial traditions—such as meditation, prayer, retreats, discernment, pilgrimages, small groups, testimony, music, and scripture study—to serve groups both inside and outside their current constituencies.

We believe that the BASICS, which are outlined in Acts 2:42-47 and ground our mission, are the key. Our letter of interest expressed our desire to build upon those. The Pastor and Executive Minister have ideas, but we need to hear from Members of the Mount.

If given $500,000.00 per year for 5 years, what would you suggest we do to help the congregation and community:

  • Study God’s word more effectively (Biblically Based Learning)
  • Build healthy relationships (Appreciate Connections)
  • Worship and pray individually and collectively (Seek God’s Presence)
  • Be more hospitable, loving, and affirming (Invite and Welcome ALL God’s Children)
  • Become more generous with spiritual gifts, financial literacy (Commit Times, Talent, and Treasure)
  • Develop outreach efforts that empower rather than enable (Serve God’s People)

The application is due May 18th. So, we are asking ALL Mount Members, young and old, to do two things:

  1. Stay after worship for a few minutes on Sunday, May 3rd 
  2. Pray, that if it be God’s will, SMZBC is chosen as a grant recipient


In an effort to keep everyone safe during worship and ministry activities, our Trustees are asking all members and guests to help us maintain a secure environment. In this current climate, we must all do our part to stay vigilant and protect one another. Please remember the following important guidelines:

Be aware of your surroundings at all times while on church property. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, notify a Trustee or Staff Person immediately.

Do not prop open any exterior doors under any circumstances. All doors should remain closed and locked unless they are being actively monitored.

Arrive on Time for Worship: Arriving on time also helps us maintain a secure environment, as it reduces the need to open the exterior doors multiple times once worship has begun.

Exit the building promptly after worship and other events so that our Trustees can properly secure the church.

Thank you for partnering with us to make Sixth Mount Zion a safe and welcoming place for everyone.